(Courtesy of OU) The Orthodox Union (OU), the nation’s oldest and largest umbrella organization for the North American Orthodox Jewish community, has named Avrohom Adler as its new international director of Yachad, beginning January 2019. Adler comes to Yachad from Mishkon, a division of The Jewish Board of Family and Children’s Services, which serves individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
Adler will replace Dr. Jeff Lichtman, the current international director of Yachad and founder and dean of the IVDU School, who has announced he will step down at the end of the year. Dr. Lichtman will continue to serve as a consultant to Yachad through the end of 2019, concentrating on the IVDU schools.
Yachad is a global organization dedicated to addressing the needs of all Jewish individuals with disabilities and ensuring their inclusion in every aspect of Jewish life. Through inclusive programming, Yachad educates and advocates for a greater understanding, acceptance, outreach and opportunity for the disability community.
“During Dr. Lichtman’s 30-plus years of dedicated and exemplary service, Yachad grew enormously in its size, operations and the extent of its programming,” said Orthodox Union Executive Vice President Allen Fagin. “We thank Jeff for his decades of service to Yachad and wish him every success in his future endeavors.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Avrohom Adler to the OU family,” said Fagin. “He brings over 20 years of experience in the social service field and a unique understanding of the diverse disability community. We look forward to Yachad’s next chapter under his leadership.”
Yachad services include, but are not limited to, social programming for all age groups; counseling services for individuals and families; weekend retreats; extensive parent support services; sibling services; vocational training and job placement; professional advocates and case managers; summer camps for members of all ages; special needs yeshivas; Shabbat programs; day habilitation programs; Israel Birthright trips for persons with mobility and/or special learning needs; social skills development; lobbying for pro-disability legislation on the local, state and federal levels; and high school and university leadership programs.
Orthodox Union President Moishe Bane added, “Under Jeff’s leadership, Yachad has become a cornerstone of the Orthodox Union. His work to support people with disabilities and include them in all aspects of communal life exemplifies gemilut chasadim, and we are so grateful for his many years of service.”
